New York Police Arrest Man for Starbucks Hate Crime

Police in the hamlet of Port Washington, New York, arrested a man on Wednesday on hate crime charges for an incident that took place last week, according to a report in Patch.

Police say Matthew Rowlinson, 26, walked up and threw a cup of hot coffee at the chest of a 21-year-old man outside a Starbucks on Saturday, July 1. Police also say Rowlinson yelled an antigay slur at the victim before leaving.

Earlier this week, police condemned the attack, saying there was “zero tolerance for hate crime” in their community.

Be The Rainbow, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, also condemned the attack and expressed concern for the safety of residents.

“We are horrified, saddened, and utterly shocked that a resident of our town could commit such an act of hate against another,” the group posted to social media. “Be The Rainbow unequivocally condemns this act of hate against our community and we will use every resource available to ensure that the victim feels loved and supported as they recover.”

The group’s co-founder, Melanie D’Arrigo, said in a statement she has and continues to take pride in the way Port Washington comes together in celebration of Pride and for its solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

“That is why I am deeply saddened, angry, and horrified about the hate crime that recently took place,” she posted to social media.

Rowlinson was charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime and second-degree aggravated harassment as a hate crime. His next scheduled court appearance is July 20.